Statement by Permanent Representative of Slovenia to the United Nations Samuel Žbogar at UNSC meeting on the question concerning Haiti

Thank you very much, Mr. President.

I want to join others in congratulating you on your assumption of the Presidency for the month of July and of course I also want to thank Guyana for their leadership of the Council in June.

I thank ASG Jenča as well as Director General Waly for their briefings.

Upon the completion of the assignment, I wish to express Slovenia’s sincere gratitude to Ms. Salvador for her dedication and exemplary leadership of BINUH in the face of challenging circumstances.

Finally, I wish to welcome the participation of the Foreign Minister of the Dominican Republic and the Permanent Representatives of Haiti as well as Barbados and Kenya.

Mr. President,

Regrettably, today’s briefings once again highlight the deteriorating security situation and the expanding foothold of armed gangs.

Reducing the territorial control of armed gangs in Port-au-Prince and now even going beyond the capital must be our immediate priority, and the Council must utilize all tools at its disposal to eliminate the threat posed by these groups.

Slovenia stands ready to support the Secretary-General’s proposal to establish a UN Support Office, as endorsed by Haiti, CARICOM, and Kenya as the lead nation within the Multinational Security Support Mission. We believe that such a realistic and practical arrangement would enable the MSS to fully carry out its mandate, and, ultimately, deliver for the Haitian people.

Furthermore, we welcome the efforts of the Haitian authorities to implement the United Nations sanctions and we view positively the proposals to expand the sanctions list.

Only concerted action to improve the security situation – by both the Council and regional efforts, in full cooperation with the Haitian authorities – can lead to sustained political progress, which is essential for establishing the framework needed for effective governance and Haiti’s long-term development.

BINUH’s continued contribution to this progress remains essential, and we fully support the renewal of its mandate.

Mr. President,

Let me reiterate Slovenia’s profound concern over the deteriorating humanitarian and human rights situation, which continues to impact the most vulnerable, particularly women and children.

The sharp increase in sexual and gender-based violence amid large-scale displacement – and its systematic use to instill fear and control communities – is simply unacceptable.

We commend the recent establishment of specialized judicial units mandated to investigate and prosecute serious crimes, including sexual violence. This represents an important step toward addressing impunity for such grave violations, in accordance with the rule of law.

Furthermore, we are appalled by reports of the forced recruitment and use of children by gangs. We underscore the importance of developing and implementing plans for the disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration of children leaving gangs, to ensure their safe handover to civilian actors. Viable educational and vocational opportunities will be key to successful reintegration.

In a context where half of the population faces high levels of acute food insecurity – even famine-like conditions – and hospitals and health centers are on the brink of collapse, we call for immediate, full, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access. 

Colleagues,

We must do more – or, in the words of Guyana and the A3 – we need a solution-oriented approach to alleviate the suffering of the Haitian people and support them on their path toward peace, security, stability, and economic recovery.

Thank you.

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